Select your state, then begin typing the name of your employer into the Employer Name field. When the name of your employer appears in the options area, click on its name to select it.

EMPLOYER STATE:

EMPLOYER NAME:

Fixed Annuity (F)

A fixed annuity is an annuity wherein the issuer (usually an insurance company) guarantees both the interest rate paid on invested dollars and the return of principal. The issuer guarantees that a minimum rate of interest will be paid on the annuity, but the actual rate of interest credited to the annuity is typically higher than the guaranteed rate. All of the premium payments that you make to the issuer will then compound (tax deferred) at least at this guaranteed rate of return, subject to the claims-paying ability of the annuity issuer.

Fixed Index Annuity (FI)

A fixed index annuity is a fixed annuity that is designed to mirror the performance of a stock market index (the Dow Jones or S&P 500, for instance). Fixed index annuities can provide returns that exceed those of traditional annuities, however are generally considered to offer lower returns than direct investment in common stock.

Variable Annuity (VA)

A variable annuity is a type of annuity that has a variety of investment options (called subaccounts) available for your selection. When you purchase a variable annuity, the annuity issuer offers you a choice of investment portfolios into which you can allocate your premiums. The investment choices may include general equity stocks, balanced portfolios, bonds, and other specialty investments, such as international stocks. Unlike a fixed annuity in which the issuer guarantees that a minimum rate of interest will be paid on your investment in the annuity, the issuer of a variable annuity does not guarantee or project any rate of return on the underlying investment portfolios. You, as the purchaser of the annuity, assume all risk on the underlying performance of the investment subaccounts that you select. Your return may be greater than or less than that of a fixed annuity.

Investment Advisory Services (RIA)

Investment advisory services work directly with the participant (either face-to-face or through telephone/internet communication). Investment advisory services will provide an array of services, ranging from general advice on retirement planning to specific counsel and, in some cases direct management of investments on your behalf. Investment advisory services are often obligated to abide by SEC regulations, and may be subject to criminal penalties for providing false or fraudulent counsel.

Mutual Funds (MF)

A mutual fund is an investment company that pools money from many people and invests it in stocks, bonds, or other securities. Each investor owns shares; each share represents a tiny portion of each individual security held by the fund. An investment professional handles the purchase and sale of individual securities in the fund, based either on an index or on his or her professional expertise. Investors may buy shares (or portions) directly from the fund or through brokers, banks, or financial planning or insurance professionals.